Preventing and Managing Arthritis Pain

Preventing and Managing Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of men and women every year. More than 50 million adults in the U.S., or one in every five adults, are believed to have arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. But rather than being one condition, the term arthritis is used for hundreds of disease and conditions of the joints and the associated tissues. To prevent and manage arthritis pain, live a healthy lifestyle, get regular exercise, educate yourself on the condition, and see your chiropractor regularly.

Types of Arthritis

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, though only a few are commonly experienced. Primary types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, septic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, gout, pseudogout, Still’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common types, and can occur from infection, trauma, injury, or simply the aging process.

Get Regular Exercise

When it comes to preventing arthritis, increasing your physical activity is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Regular physical activity works out the joint, keeps the joint lubricated, strengthens the body, improves joint stiffness, and helps manage weight. Aim to exercise at least three days a week, more if you are feeling up to it. This keeps your body conditioned and prevents weight-related arthritis conditions.

Chiropractic Care for Arthritis

If you are experiencing pain in your joints from arthritis, chiropractic care can be extremely helpful. Your primary doctor can perform x-rays, suggest surgical procedures, and prescribe medications, but this isn’t always effective or desired by the patient. By seeking out chiropractic care, you get proper natural relief and preventative care to prevent the pain from worsening and making the condition more severe. In some cases, your pain is from a misalignment of your spine, and making an adjustment of the vertebrae is a viable option for treatment.

How to Prevent Arthritis

Aside from getting regular exercise, there are some other things you can do to prevent arthritis. First, be aware of the risk factors of developing arthritis. It is more common if it runs in your family, if you are overweight, and if you are an older adult. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight are good habits to help prevent the condition.

Arthritis can be mild or severe, so even if you already have it, there is hope in preventing it from getting to a more serious level of pain and discomfort by following the above tips.